Marantz NR1510 vs Pioneer VSX-532

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The Marantz NR1510 versus Pioneer VSX-532 comparison makes clear all pros and cons of AV receivers. According to the results of our review, Marantz NR1510 received 7 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer VSX-532 was rated 4.3 points. The release date of NR1510 is 2019, and VSX-532 is 2017. Identified advantages have shown that NR1510 is better over VSX-532 mainly as a home theater processor.

Main advantages Marantz NR1510 over Pioneer VSX-532

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-532 over Marantz NR1510

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the models have rated 6 points out of 10.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Marantz NR1510 supports 5.2-channels sound, but Pioneer VSX-532 supports a 5.1-channels configuration.

RMS stands for the actual power of the receiver. The higher this value, the louder the sound can be produced. The differences between the models in terms of RMS power are significant - for the VSX-532 this value is 80/8 W/Ohm, and for the NR1510 it is 50/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the NR1510 6 out of 10, and the VSX-532 - 7.

Bi-amping is the amplification of one speaker with two amplifiers. This amplification method has a positive effect on sound quality. Bi-amping is possible on the VSX-532.

Most receivers now come with a microphone included. It is with the help of this microphone that the auto-calibration system functions, which adjusts the sound of the receiver to the room.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Marantz NR1510 scored 8, and Pioneer VSX-532 scored 6 out of 10.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting.

Wired internet connection via RJ45 allows receiver faster connection than wireless or even use NAS storages. Wired connection via RJ45 is possible in the NR1510 only.

Streaming services

Now music streaming services are gaining more and more popularity. They allow users to listen to millions of songs by subscription.

Extensive connections

The presence of many connectors makes the receiver more versatile. But there are also narrowly targeted models, the number of connectors which are limited to a certain area of use. And when choosing their own receiver, users need to consider exactly your goals for using the receiver. For extensive connection, Marantz NR1510 got 9 points, but Pioneer VSX-532 received 5 points.

Marantz NR1510 is equipped with 8/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Pioneer VSX-532 has 4/1 HDMI inputs and outputs.

HDMI eARC is the next step in the development of audio return channel technology, which works in conjunction with HDMI 2.1. Using eARC provides the highest sound quality for home audio systems. HDMI eARC is available only on Marantz NR1510.

The HDCP encryption protocol is now mandatory for most media devices. This security technology encrypts digital signals from one product to another. HDCP content-encryption protocol is present on Marantz NR1510 in the HDCP 2.3 version, and Pioneer VSX-532 has the HDCP 2.2 version.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the NR1510 has a Phono interface.

Video features

The AV receiver is the heart of the home theater. And in this case, support for all current video formats ensures the best user experience, so it is very important to consider this when choosing a device. Video features of the NR1510 were rated 6 out of 10 against the 5 for the VSX-532.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the NR1510 got 10 points, but the VSX-532 has 5.

Voice control allows you to control the basic functions of the receiver through a smartphone, smart speaker or using the microphone that comes with the kit. The NR1510 can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI.

Multi-room

As the center of a home media system, each multichannel receiver has an additional set of terminals for connecting the second set of speakers to create additional audio space in Zone 2 or even Zone 3 where audio can have the separate source.

Multichannel surround

For the ability to create multichannel surround sound, each of the receivers received 5 points out of 10.